Pope vs. Trump. Asked about the Republican presidential candidate’s proposal to build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, Pope Francis told reporters that “a person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.” Trump quickly fired back, calling the pope’s comments “disgraceful.” (Daniel Burke, CNN)

LD21 Chairman Chris Herring: Sadly the first bill I had a real personal hand in walking through the legislative process failed today (Strike Everything on HB2216. The bill that was announced at the AZGOP meeting in January to make caucuses a legal way to place candidates on the primary ballot failed. What was sadder is how it failed. One Republican member of the House GHE committee resorted to insulting the office of Precinct Committeeman to try to kill the bill. Stating that they would never want to give more power to PCs. The rep. went further and hinted that they may be in favor of removing the current power of the PCs to fill legislative vacancies calling them a "bloodbath" and suggesting that the role of the PCs takes away from the rights of the average voter. I wonder how the PCs in their district would feel about this. Thank you to Rep. Anthony Kern for sponsoring this. Thank you Duane Engdahl and Gila County Executive Comm. for your work. Thank you ad hoc committee members Donna Alu and James Kelley.

Congressman Trent Franks is hosting a “Coffee with the Congressman mini town hall” between 8:30-10 am, Wed., March 9 in the lower level conference room at 7121 W Bell Road #200, Glendale, AZ. Franks will give a brief update on current events in Washington and will open the meeting to questions. RSVP required due to limited space. RSVP to 623.776.7911 or Shari Farrington, field rep at Shari.Farrington@mail.house.gov

Congressman Matt Salmon, member of the House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, on the President’s plans to visit Cuba. “The President has single-mindedly insisted on re-opening trade and travel with an island nation that has, for over 50 years, confiscated its people’s wealth and kept them living in abject poverty tarnishing our reputation as a nation that cares about freedom and liberty. The President is on the wrong track with Cuba, and his visit (coming before any substantive changes in the living conditions of the Cuban people) implies an endorsement of a brutal and selfish regime.”

Arizona Dems went after Sen John McCain with this e-mail message today: “John McCain was once known as a maverick. Now, he'll just say anything to get elected. McCain has grown not just increasingly conservative over the years -- he's fully embraced the fringe elements that he used to reject. McCain's change of position on Supreme Court nominees this week is the perfect example. In 2005, McCain said a President appointing a Supreme Court justice is "the way the system works." Now, he wants the American people to wait a year and grind all Supreme Court business to a halt. McCain is getting called out in the press, and his campaign is on the ropes. We've never been in a stronger position to defeat McCain!” They topped their message with these news itemss:

3. MSNBC: “McCain’s partisan reaction was...wholly at odds with everything McCain has said and done throughout his career.”

The Tempe Republican Women will meet at 6:30 pm., Mon., Feb 22 at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center in Tempe to hear firearms expert Alan Korwin address the Second Amendment and gun owners rights in an increasingly hostile government.

Deb Wells: I wonder if we will read a similarly enlightening story about a "foxy" man or some guy's shiny hair in a future newsletter? ...Because talking about someone's physical appearance is so incredibly important to the future of the Republic. <Sigh>. Editor’s Note: Wells is referring to a compliment Briefs paid to Arizona’s National Republican Woman Sharon Geise as a ‘foxy’ lady and a mention on how Sheriff Candidate Marsha Hill’s blonde hair “glistened” as she rode in Wickenburg’s Gold Rush Days Parade. Deb – Congrats, 47 years as an journalist and you are the first one to ding me for complimenting someone in print. – ft

Rae Chornenky - Candidate For Arizona National Committeewoman: Some time ago, BRIEFS advised regarding a statement by Democrat candidate for U.S. Senate Ann Kirkpatrick chastising Republicans for not supporting yet another 'equal-pay-for-women' congressional bill. What wasn't stated is that there is no need for yet a third national law ensuring equal pay for women when Congress already enacted its first such legislation more than 50 years ago - in 1963. There is even an Equal Pay Day observance: April 14. Also not pointed out by the Democrat is the fact that, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics this month, in the Democrat Obama economy, women earn only 82.5 cents for every dollar earned by men. U.S. News and World Report has made clear that, in the Obama federal administration, women have lower pay grades than men have. In the Obama White House, female staffers earn 88 cents for every dollar a male staffer earns, and more women occupy lower paying positions than men occupy. When Hillary Clinton was in the U.S. Senate, her women staffers were paid only 72 cents for each dollar paid to male staffers. The median salary for a woman working in Clinton's office was $15,708.38 less than the median salary for a man, according to data compiled from official Senate expenditure reports. For more facts on the alleged "War on Women," contact Rae Chornenky, rlc@chornenkylaw.com.

Don and Patti Woolley : We ask the question, since we are skeptical too, where are the RNC, AZGOP, and LD2 with GOTV technology and voter targeting? We shudder what we believe the answer to be...they better wake up, time is running out! Those closer to the party might want to get some answers and wake up some people! See to-win-in-2016-gop-must-close-technology-gap-with-democrats

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is currently reviewing its Article 8, Wildlife Areas and Department Properties, rules as part of a scheduled periodic review process. The department is seeking public comment on the proposed changes to Article 8. The summary of the proposed rule changes can be accessed online. If you wish to submit written comments on the proposed rule revisions, please send comments to rulemaking@azgfd.gov by March 8. When submitting comments on a particular rule, please include a reference to the rule to which you are referring. Written comments can also be sent via U.S. mail to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Rules and Risk Branch, Attn: Celeste Cook, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086

A New Fox News Poll shows Donald Trump holding a solid 32-19 percent lead over Ted Cruz among likely Republican voters in South Carolina, with Marco Rubio coming in third at 15 percent. Campaign 2016 coverage at FoxNews.com poll-trump-leads-in-south-carolina

Congressman Matt Salmon: I wanted to quickly email you to let you know that I will be holding a Town Hall next Monday evening, February 22, at the Central Christian Church in Mesa. We'll be discussing the complicated issues facing our nation and the latest developments in Washington and around the fifth district. From Mesa to Washington, there are so many important issues facing us today. I want to invite you to come, take part in this event and share your thoughts on the many challenges facing our community, state, and country. The Town Hall will take place at 6 pm until 7pm at the Chapel of Central Christian Church, 933 N. Lindsey Road, Mesa, Ariz. 85213. RSVP, my office at (480) 699-8239. I look forward to seeing you there!

The "Candidate Corral" Is Less Than 48 Hours Away at Pioneer Historical Village – inspired by native son Sen Barry Goldwater. Attendees signed up to make presentations include Scottsdale City Council candidate Guy Phillis, US House candidates Erna San Miguel and David Gilles, US Senate candidates Kelli Ward, Alex Melusky and Clair Van Steenwyk, Tom Forses – Arizona Corporation Comissioner, Diane Douglas – Supt of Public Education, Ted Hayes conservative activisit from Los Angeles and Captain Russ Wittenburg. Contact: Ron Ludders 602—677-1496

The latest participants to sign up for the Feb 20 Candidates Corral at Pioneer Village is Presidential Preference Polling and US Senate Preference Polling, three bouncy houses and a straw maze for kids. Contact: Ron Ludders 602-677-1496.

US Senate Candidate Clair Van Steenwyk: I continue to be disappointed by so many GOP Clubs, Groups and LDs who we've reached out to speak at and had no response while watching them line up to get Ward. They continue avoiding Forums as she really doesn't want her State Record Challenged on both Home Birth and dismantling the Supt. of Eds office and others, but then 14 other GOP Senators voted with her don't want to be exposed as well. We now have the popular Vote that so many Reps. in AZ sponsored and voted for as well has also become a hot subject when we speak at meetings and they don't like that talked about as well. I believe you're in LD 13 which is one of several LDs in Maricopa that hasn't even bothered to return emails or calls and they all say they want Unity this is a bad way of showing it. I know later they'll all want Unity later, however the Tone won't be forgotten by me and those who do support us and they're watching this and disappointed in the GOP once again with no change in site, just an update on what's happening out here, but we'll move forward and if we attain our signatures by date due will be on the ballot, also just so you know I'm not going to pay for one signature as if I can't get on without buying my way on I won't be there. Contact: van@vanussenate.com

Americans for Prosperity is offering a free six-week grassroots leadership certification course starting Feb 23. Every class is free and includes dinner, as well as a variety of experts to teach you the skills of organizing. Sign up for our Phoenix class today.

The Fountain Hills Republican Club meets at 9 am, Sat., Feb 20 in the FH Community Center, 13001 N La Montana Dr., to hear US Senator John McCain. A meet and greet social period starts at 8:30 am with breakfast snacks.

The Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT) has completed the annual year-end population survey, documenting a minimum of 97 Mexican wolves in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico at the end of 2015. At the end of 2014, 110 wild wolves were counted. The population decline in 2015 is due to:

Thirteen Mexican wolf mortalities compared to 11 in 2014.

Eleven additional wolves are considered fate unknown compared to three in 2014.

A significantly lower proportion of pups survived to December: 55% survival in 2015 compared to high 86% in 2014.

“Recovery of endangered species is never easy, nor is the road to success a straight line,” said Jim deVos, Assistant Director of Wildlife Management for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The lower number of Mexican wolves that were counted is a concern, but not a signal that the program is unsuccessful. It is important to look at a number of population demographic factors such as the number of pups born this year, which is only two less than last year. Of the 21 wolf packs on the ground today, 10 successfully reared a litter through the end of this year. Wildlife populations vary on an annual basis, so the decline in the number of Mexican wolves counted this year is not out of character. We should not forget where the Mexican wolf was in 1998, when they were absent from the wild landscape.”

There are a 21 packs, with a minimum of 47 wolves in New Mexico and 50 wolves in Arizona.

The current survey documented 10 packs that had at least one pup that survived through the end of the year.

The 2015 minimum population count includes 23 wild-born pups that survived through the end of the year.

The Mexican wolf is the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America. It was all but eliminated from the wild by the 1970s. In 1998, Mexican wolves were released to the wild for the first time in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area within the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area.

The Corporation Commission joins Arizona 811 (formerly known as Arizona Blue Stake) in launching the first Metro Phoenix Region Damage Prevention & Safety Seminars of 2016 this week. The free seminars help contractors assure they are safe and following the law when they begin any excavation project anywhere in Arizona.

Contractors and homeowners are required either to call Arizona 811 using the simple three-digit number, 8-1-1, or use Arizona 811’s E-Stake http://www.arizona811.com tool to create a utility-line location ticket online before beginning any digging or other excavation project. This gives utilities time to mark the location of their underground lines, pipes and cables. Failing to contact Arizona 811 can result in expensive damage to utility lines, serious injury or even death.

Seminars are also critical for providing contractors with information about excavation and confined space safety as well as opportunities for free Competent Person Training so they can work safely, understand the utility location markings, and comply with the law. Corporation Commission staff will discuss the legal consequences for failing to contact Arizona 811. Homeowners should also work with their contractors to assure that Arizona 811 has been contacted before any work begins on their property.

The free seminars will be held from 9 am-noon, Feb 18 and 25 at the Arizona 811 Center, 1405 W. Auto Drive, Tempe for those who have already registered. Pre-registration is required. Additional free seminars will be offered throughout the year in Metro Phoenix, Southern Arizona and Northern Arizona. For upcoming dates, times and locations or other questions about excavating you can visit www.Arizona811.com or email Public.Services@Arizona811.com . You can also consult the Arizona Corporation Commission Safety Division at: http://www.azcc.gov/divisions/safety/pipeline.asp or (602) 262-5601.

Arrowhead Republican Women is sponsoring a Candidates Forum between 2-5 pm., June 11 at Briarwood Country Club, 20800 N. 135th Ave., Sun City West. All candidate's running for office in Maricopa County, Arizona & National offices will have an opportunity to speak, followed by a ‘question/answer’ time. A 3:30 pm break is scheduled. This will be an opportunity for all to see the candidates altogether in one room. Finger food to be served. Cash Bar for drinks. No admission fee. The event will be video taped, so the candidates can use it for their own promotions. All Republicans Welcome. Contact: Jan Martinson 623-546-3753 or jlmart15102@aol.com.

US Senate Candidate Alex Meluskey has added Tweeter and Facebook to his campaign social media group.

LD17 will meet at 7 pm., Tues., Feb 23 to hear Rep JD Mesnard’s presentation on proposed legislation to replace the electoral college with the National Popular Vote (NPV) for the President election . Sen Majority Leader Steve Yarbrough will give a legislative update. This will be the last meeting prior to the LDs March 29 state delegation election. Details for the March 29 meeting will be provided at the Feb 12 meeting, according to Chr Shadow Asgar. LD17 meetings are held at the Tri-City Baptist Church Seminary Building (smaller building on south sideof parking lot), 2211 W. Germann Road Chandler, AZ 85286 Contact: Asgar at LD17shadow@gmail.com

Free Tables Are Available to political candidates, clubs, LDs1-30, PACs, and veterans groups between 10 am-3 pm, during the Sat., Feb 20 Candidate Corral 2016 scheduled at the Pioneer Living History Village. Bring a table, 2 chairs and a pop-up tent for your group. Put out your literature, business cards, do a raffle to raise money for your group. Reserve space: http://citizenbusinessleague or contact event manager Nina Marlow at (480) 707-9043 (602) 541-1436 cell nmarlowCBL@gmail.com

Speakers slated for the “Candidates Corral” between 10 am-3 pm., Sat., Feb 20 at Pioneer Valley include Arizona National Committeeman Bruce Ash, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, US Senate candidates Kelli Ward, Alex Melusky, Clair Van Steenwyk, Arizona Corporation Commission candidate Frank Riggs, Amanda Stanford of Pinal County, Arizona Corporation Commissioner Tom Forese and former Alaska Mayor Marco Depcevich of Sitka, Alaska - the largest geographical city in the United States – along with representatives from several Presidential campaign staffs. Steve Kates of KFNX radio, 1100 on your radio dial will be broadcasting live. Ron Bellus will serve as master of ceremonies. Activist Ted Hayes of LA will be a lead-off speaker in the Opera House. Free event.

The Palo Verde Republican Women are asking Republicans to contact Senate Major Leader Andy Biggs at 602-926-4371 or email him at abiggs@azleg.gov and request that he not allow SB12818 to the floor for a vote. This bill replaces the Electoral College with the National Popular Vote.

Secretary of State Michele Reagan has opened an online filing period for pro/con arguments on Prop 124 – the ballot measure slated to appear on the May 17 statewide special election – weeking to reform the pension system for police and firefighters. Input, restricted to 300 words, will be accepted until 5 pm, Feb 23, 2016. See guidelines/ restrictions at http://www.azsos.gov/

Filing window for Proposition 124 pro/con arguments opens Secretary of State Michele Reagan has opened the online filing period for pro/con arguments for Proposition 124 that is scheduled for the May 17 statewide special election and seeks reform for the police/firefighters pension system. Agruments can be filed online system until 5 pm., Feb 23. Arguments can be 300 words or less and written exactly as they are to appear in the SOS publicity pamphlet. An original, notarized version must be submitted as well. The notarized copy can be mail and hand-delivered to the SOS office. Details can be viewed at AZSOS.gov website.

Senator John McCain regarding a report by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General (IG) confirming reports that calls made to a VA suicide hotline have gone unanswered in recent years: “I am deeply saddened and disappointed by the VA IG’s findings confirming that veterans’ calls to a VA-run suicide hotline have gone unanswered in recent years. The VA’s failure to help our most vulnerable veterans is not only unacceptable, but it is shameful. Furthermore, it is shocking that VA leadership only seem to find out about these widespread problems after they come to light in the media. The VA’s inability to run a call center and deal with increasing demand has put our nation’s veterans at greater risk. “Unfortunately, the IG’s report shows that there is much more that work still needs to be done to improve suicide prevention services for veterans and change the VA’s culture so that its leaders get in front of problems rather than constantly reacting to them..”

Go to US Senate Candidate Kelli Ward’s web site at kelliward.com/ar15 to sign up for a chance to win a custom Kelli Ward AR-15.

The American Gold Star Mothers Tucson Chapter are selling raffle ticket to raise money for Wreaths Across America. Sponsored by Jim Click, the AGSM gets 100% of the ticket sales to put towards Wreaths Across America. The more tickets they sell, the more wreaths they can put on veteran graves. Tickets: Sheron Jones President - American Gold Star Mothers Tucson Chapter and Department President for Arizona 520-390-1704sheronjones29@yahoo

Reminder: Feb 22 is the last day to register to vote in Presidential Preference Primary. Registration forms can be picked up at your local post office, motor vehicle licensing office, GOP office or contact your local club or legislative district chairman.

Thayer Verschoor, One Of Presidential Candidate Donald Trump’s Arizona team leaders, is calling for volunteers to go to Vegas, NV Feb 20 thru the night of the Feb 23 to help the Trump campaign. Transportation, lodging and meals are provided. Contact Verschoor at 602-703-0266.

160216-2130 - AZRRT Special Call To Action By Jose Borrajero new website at http://www.publicrecord.report/category/alerts/ The following table contains some very important information regarding three parental rights and privacy of information bills that will be heard in committee very soon, but first a quick observation: In communist countries there is no such thing as parental rights or privacy of information. This statement is not the result of hearsay or reading a book, but the result of personal experience. Some European so-called democracies are following this pattern. There are people in this country that would have us move in that direction. You still have the right and the ability to let your government know your opinion. Do not squander that right. Everyone reading this material should be contacting the members of the committees cited here in the manner that best suits them, namely via telephone, e-mail, or ALIS/RTS. Don’t count on the next guy doing it. He is counting on you to do it. THESE ARE ALL STRIKER BILLS

PARENTAL OPT-OUT - THIS BILL HAS BEEN AMENDED VIA STRIKE-ALL WITH THE TEXT OF THE OLD HB2056 THAT BOYER KILLED IN THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

SENATE EDUCATION

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160215-2045 AZRRT Call To Action By Jose Borrajero The latest results of actions on bills that we are watching, as reported on www.azleg.gov, are as follows: WARNING: We have reached the point in the legislative process when strike-all amendments are widely used to slip legislation under the radar. Please remain alert! The following table contains legislative bill(s) that are coming up soon for action in our state legislature. Please choose the bills that are most important to you, then contact everyone in the “who to contact” column and ask them to vote yes or no, depending on your wishes.

To see exactly how every legislator voted, click on the Results column.

Make a note of this information because it could be very valuable at election time, to evaluate whether candidates’ campaign rhetoric is supported or contradicted by their actions.

Editor’s Note: Jose’s alerts are run as a courtesy to those who do not have time to research the numerous bill in the hopper while the legislature is session. Briefs does not necessarily agree, nor disagree with the recommendations. This is merely courtesy information for the readers.

Call The White House202-456-1111 Comments. Switchboard: 202-456-1414. Contact Senate https://www.senate.gov/ or Representatives http://www.house.gov/Let them know how you feel. Hold their feet to the fire. They wanted these positions so badly, hold them accountable.Arizona delegation phone numbers:

"Fountain Hills Republican Club will meet at 9 am, Sat., Feb 20 in the Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N La Montana Dr, FH, with US Senator John McCain as the keynote speaker. The East Valley Young Marines will Present the Colors during the meeting. 8:30am Meet and Greet with light breakfast snacks. Admission is free. Contact: Boe James, Secretary at FHRepublican@gmail.com or http://www.FHRepublicaClub.org

Gosar Goes To Wickenburg: A Wickenburg “Congress, Cops & Coffee” will be conducted by Congressman Paul Gosar between 9-10 am, Mon., Feb 22 at the Chaparral Homemade Ice Cream Shop. He will conduct a open to the public “Small Business Roundtable” between 1:30-2:30 pm at the Wickenburg Town Hall Building, 144 N Tegner. And he will address the Wickenburg Republican Club at 7 pm. in the Lifeline Ambulance Training Center, 1155 N Tegner. Contact: WRC Chr Frosty Taylor at frostytaylor@cox.net or Gosar 480-882-2697 www.gosar.house.gov.

The American Heritage DVD series by historian David Barton of Wallbuilders will be presented between 1-3 pm., Feb. 22 and 29 at the AZ GOP Headquarters West Valley office, 10050 W. Bell Rd. Suite 50. Free to public. Call 623-815-8557 or 623-977-4532 . Facilitated by living history presenter Bonnie Angster. Series will focus on the Constitution, the Judiciary, Education and Black History.

Reception In Southern Arizona for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is scheduled Feb 23. The MCSF has been in operation for 53 years. Last year it gave out $7,000,000 to children of Marines that enabled them to go to college. The operation is in full swing in the Phoenix area and they are trying to raise awareness of this program in southern Arizona. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is a nationwide organization but the money raised in Arizona goes first to Arizona kids. They are looking for more applicants in southern Arizona for the scholarships. RSVP to Ashleyashley.shaklee@datocwitten.com. Free admission and parking. www.mcsf.org.

The Maricopa Republican Club meets 10am, Thurs., Feb. 25 at Villages Community Center, City of Maricopa.

Candidate Commentary

Please comply with the 300 word limit policy. If statements exceeds the limit, it will be edited.

CD1 Candidate David Gowan: When I was elected to Arizona House of Representatives, it didn’t take long for my principles to collide head on with the broken political status quo. Back in 2009. Gov Janet Napolitano had just left office, and my class of newly-elected conservative colleagues and I were eager to get to work on scaling back the state’s bloated budget and bureaucracy.Those plans were quickly dashed though, when the liberal Republican leadership dropped its own pork-laden budget bill on our desks and demanded our votes. We were told, in essence, to stand down. To set aside our principles and campaign promises, and go along with their plan. We were even threatened with retaliation if we refused. But refuse we did, because it was the right thing to do. We held out and prevailed, achieving deeper spending cuts.That’s how Arizona’s Liberty Caucus was born… and seven years later, I am proud to serve as one of its leaders and as the Speaker of the Arizona House. Over time we grew our ranks to put an end to that broken political status quo in Arizona. And we’ve gotten tremendous things done in recent years, from balancing the state budget and cutting burdensome regulations to getting greater control over illegal immigration to protecting the Second Amendment and the rights of the unborn.Now I am running for Congress to bring that same effective conservative leadership to Washington, D.C. The broken political status quo in Washington has resulted in $19 trillion in debt massively bloated federal bureaucracies, an unstable economy, border chaos and a weaker America on the world stage. The stakes are high, and the Republican “leadership” on Capitol Hill has failed us. They refuse to take the bold stands necessary to rein in the liberal agenda and get America back on track. They have rightly lost the trust of the American people. Contact: info@gowanforarizona.com.